Producer Advisory Committee
Meet the dairy producers who provide input to develop and implement CDCB services and genetic evaluations.
Dairy farmers appointed by the CDCB Board of Directors each spring provide grassroots input on strategy, policy, future priorities, and opportunities for the organization. Established in 2019, the Producer Advisory Committee (PAC) has become a source of trusted advisors.
The Producer Advisory Committee meets to discuss relevant topics such as:
- Data flow into the National Cooperator Database
- Ongoing trait research and development
- Potential future traits of interest
- Lifetime Merit Index calculation
- Applying existing traits
- Herd sustainability metrics
- Inbreeding
- Routine evaluation updates
- Genetic conditions
Members can serve up to three consecutive one-year terms. The PAC meets virtually four times a year and participates in two in-person meetings, including one as a joint meeting with the CDCB Board of Directors. Producers interested in learning more or serving on the committee should contact one of the Board members or CDCB Industry Relations Manager Katie Schmitt.
2026-2027 Producer Advisory Committee
Betsy Bullard
Turner, ME
Kent Buttars
Lewiston, UT
Mack Drees
Peshtigo, WI
Eric Grotegut
Newton, WI
Greta Halahan
Imler, PA
David Harvatine
King Ferry, NY
Matt Hendel
Caledonia, MN
Brian Houin
Plymouth, IN
Glenn Kline
Troy, PA
Rick Roden
West Bend, WI
What do committee members say about being part of the PAC?
“I value learning what goes into genetic evaluations and how complex all data collection and evaluation is. I like that producer opinion is valued and that CDCB has been regularly improving with new traits and refining old traits.
I believe the PAC is a well-organized committee and no time is wasted. It’s a small commitment, and CDCB is accommodating. The information is valuable if you milk cows.”
Eric Grotegut
Grotegut Dairy Farm Inc.
Newton, WI
“The opportunity to learn from the folks at CDCB about genetic evaluations and have idea exchange is very valuable. Also, sharing information from on-farm management practices gives me a better perspective about my management.
Being part of the PAC has been a very worthwhile experience. I have benefited greatly from this opportunity!”
Kent Buttars
Butter-Dell Holsteins
Lewiston, UT
“If you have passion for genetics in general or for your herd, the PAC is a great place to learn more about what CDCB is working on and help shape the future.
It also provides the chance to share thoughts, ideas, and concerns that you see on farm to help others improve breeding decisions.”
Brian Houin
Homestead Dairy
Plymouth, IN
“This committee allows farmers to talk to farmers and hear their ideas and thoughts around the dairy industry. It is a way to bring farmers and the industry together. I have found value in learning about the processing of data and the avenue it takes to be implemented for farmers’ use.”
Mack Drees
Drees Dairy Farm LLC
Peshtigo, WI